Overseas dental treatment 'may become nightmare'

Going overseas for dental treatment could 'quickly develop into a nightmare' if the patient experiences complications, experts have warned.

Recent figures have revealed that the number of people searching on the internet for information on dental tourism has risen.

Nearly 60,000 people researched overseas dental treatment online in August 2007, a 50 per cent rise over the previous month.

However, the British Dental Health Foundation has expressed concerns about the trend, noting that difficulties can arise if a patient needs further treatment.

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Chief executive Nigel Carter commented: 'Most people that travel abroad for dental treatment are looking to get more complicated treatments such as implants, bridges, crowns or root canal treatment done cheaper than would be available in the UK.

'However, complicated treatments are more likely to cause problems and, if your treatment was carried out abroad, it can be difficult to know what your rights are.'

The expert conceded that it can be a valid option for those patients who have the funds in place for corrective treatment if things go wrong, but noted that a simple way to save money 'can quickly develop into a nightmare' for patients who suffer complications and cannot afford to fly back or have corrective treatment in the UK.

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